Firefighter Station Secrets

Biceps has an interesting schedule as a firefighter. He is at the station a full 24 hours before coming home.

This 24 hour time period allows for a lot of shenanigans to take place while he’s gone.

For example, I may or may not be guilty of buying lunch out while running errands. Biceps would rather starve or eat a protein bar than buy something from a restaurant. I would rather eat.

This would not fly with a firefighter. Sinks are to be empty; dishes are to be washed, dried and put away.

I call this the “mysterious soaking ritual” that is a necessity when one has made muffins on a whim and is pregnant and tired.

The same goes for our thermal mugs. They will be washed-eventually. Probably right before I leave the house in the morning.

And seriously, what’s the point of making a bed? We all know I’m going to try and nap in it later on.

This button fell off while I was grocery shopping today. I ran after it as it skidaddled around the produce area. It now sits on the counter waiting to be re-attached. I keep thinking about eating a banana muffin instead, though.

But, I seem to be in good company as far as shenanigans go. These two don’t judge and don’t seem to notice my lack of motivation. In fact, they encourage me to nap-so that they can nap with me. And they remind me that a rested pregnant lady is a happy pregnant lady.

I call this a win-win for all parties involved.

What do you Fall for?

Good morning! First things first, I must talk about the pink elephant in the white room. I have not been posting as frequently-as I’m sure you’ve noticed. Without going into too much detail, I’ve needed a little reprieve.
But, that reprieve has been had and now it’s time to get back to business. The crisp fall air is upon us and I feel invigorated to sew, cook, create, build and ramble on about the things of God that I’m learning.

Can you handle all the weirdness that is Rebekah? Please scroll down before you answer that.

Probably not. But that’s why we have the buffer of the internet between my weirdness and your purity, dear reader.

Anywho, it’s fall time. A time of harvest, hot coffee and fun wintery-type projects. What are your favorite fall things to do?

At the top of my fall list is leaf watching. I could stare at, walk through, collect and photograph the changing leaves from now until eternity. And since I’ve already cleared it with God that there will be seasons in heaven, this love affair will not end.

Another one of my favorite things to prepare for the cold, fall weather is to make mittens out of old sweaters. I can never seem to find the cuteness factor when shopping for store-made mittens. Plus, store-bought are either too small, too scratchy or don’t match my winter coat. I came up with my own solution and made a pair of mittens and a matching scarf from two old sweaters.

Problem solved, mate.

Like a child, I cannot get enough of a good Maize Maze. The swishing stalks against a pale blue sky takes me back home to Kansas, to wheat fields, to harvest festivals. Plus, a good Maize Maze is always accompanied by horsey rides, apple cider and other fall accoutrements.

What more could you ask for?

Maybe a pumpkin patch? Yes, please. Pumpkin patches are to fall as snow is to Christmas. The grocery store cardboard bins full of pumpkins should be shunned other than for last minute pumpkiny needs, such as decorating your porch when unannounced guests come to visit.

Otherwise, I implore you to drive at least 45 minutes to a pumpkin patch, labor over which has the perfect stem-to-body ratio and finally choose your pumpkin-already knowing which side you will be carving a face into.

Please, for all pumpkins everywhere, do the right thing.

Finally, nothing says fall like all things cinnamony, nutgmegy and spicey. I love to kick off fall by cooking a huge batch of Ginger Snap Cookies, sharing it with the neighbors and nibbling on a few of my own. This pictured version above is a skinny version I created, called “Ginger Puff Cookies“, for those of you watching the waistline.

I also think fall should be accompanied by homemade No Fuss, No Sugar Applesauce, Beautiful Banana Bread andEasy Chili.

What are your favorite fall things to create, bake, sew or enjoy? I’d love to know, dear readers-for you are my inspiration to keep writing and creating things!

Makin’ a mess for the Neighbors

Biceps and I enjoy making food-type gifts for the neighbors and our tenants each year. Even some of our friends make the cut, and perhaps a few family members that insist on having a loaf of my “Beautiful Banana Bread“.

When they receive their nice little food package from us, they have no idea what a mess I had created in my kitchen.

 

40 Bananas-mushed.

 

To a pulp.

 

That’s forty banana peels. The recipe was octopled – scientifically, that means the recipe was made 8 times. Every bowl, measuring cup, spatula and bread tin was implemented in this all out food-fest.

After wrapping each gift, I added a card and our crazy Christmas Picture and delivered them one by one to my neighbor’s and tenants. This made it feel like Christmas.
So, Merry Christmas, everyone. Hope you enjoy tasty foods and seeing my mug standing on your front porch.

Weird Reasons to be Thankful

Thanksgiving is creeping in. Let’s be thankful.

I am thankful that I didn’t die when my house exploded. (Full Story Here.)

 
I am thankful for the amazing banana bread that I love to make-and eat. (Recipe here.)

 

I am thankful that even when things in life appear to be prickly, beauty can be found at the end.

 

I am thankful that I had this weird cat for eight years of my life. R.I.P. Cowboy.

 

And, I am thankful that Biceps convinced me to sell one of our houses by tempting me with a trip to Europe.

What are your weird reasons to be thankful?